Why Shreyas Iyer Will Miss India vs South Africa 2nd ODI

India secured an eight-wicket victory against South Africa in the first ODI of the three-game series held at New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on December 17 (Sunday).

India secured an eight-wicket victory against South Africa in the first ODI of the three-game series held at New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on December 17 (Sunday).

India successfully chased down the target of 117 runs in just 16.4 overs, losing only two wickets, securing an eight-wicket victory in the first ODI.

In India's performance, debutant Sai Sudharsan stayed unbeaten, tallying 55 runs off 43 balls, while Shreyas Iyer contributed 52 runs from 45 balls. They built an impressive partnership of 88 runs for the second wicket.

Despite an impressive performance in the series opener for the Men in Blue, Shreyas Iyer is set to miss the next two IND vs SA ODIs scheduled for December 19 at in Gqeberha and December 21 at in Paarl.

Now, Shreyas Iyer will join India's Test unit, participating in the three-day inter-squad match leading up to the commencement of the IND vs SA two-match Test series between India and South Africa, starting from December 26 onwards.

Shreyas Iyer had initially been selected for the three ODIs, but the BCCI updated the Indian squad on December 16, subsequently releasing him from the ODI team. In Iyer's absence, either Rajat Patidar or Rinku Singh is poised to make their ODI debut for India on December 19.

If Rinku Singh is favoured over Patidar, there's a strong chance that Tilak Varma might step in to bat at No. 3, considering Iyer's previous position in the series opener.

IND vs SA 1st Test is scheduled to take place from December 26 to 30 at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Subsequently, the second IND vs SA Test will be held at Newlands in Cape Town from January 3 to 7, 2024.